Ok so I found out that Icons 4.5" lift kit wont work for my truck because of the rear blocks they make "flat" and I need "tapered blocks"? Also they blocks they send me are 5" and my factory blocks are 2" so that means that me rear will be lower than my front by 1". At first I was going to use Icons 6" block to make the rear level with the front.
This is my trucks info: 2005 Ford SuperDuty XLT SuperCab V10 4x4 FX4 Shortbed
Is the block problem because I have a supercab and a shortbed?
Thanks
~Gage~

 

A 5" block should put you about level, or slightly high in the back. I have an Icon 4" lift in front with 5" blocks and have about 1.5-2" of rake. I've actually thought of dropping down to a 4" block. A flat block is fine for you because you have a one-piece driveshaft. Flat is really what it SHOULD be because with a one-piece driveshaft you want the transfer case output and pinion parallel. If the pinion is pointed up at an angle you can get driveline vibrations. Ford seems to randomly use flat or tapered blocks without paying attention to the pinion/output shaft angles.

 

Thanks for the info. I just thought that because my truck is a Super Cab Short Bed I would need the tapered blocks. So you think that the 5" blocks will be enough for my truck, factory my truck is level I dont know how but it is, thats why I was going to get the 6" blocks.
Thanks ~Gage~

 

Yeah, I think the 5" Icon blocks will be enough. You might want to contact Icon to be sure, or TruckToyzPerformance, they do a lot of Icon lifts. Since yours is a gasser, it will sit slightly higher in the front than a diesel. 6" is a really tall block, and if you need that much I would go with a spring lift in the back. TruckToyzPerformance also has a gallery you can look at different lift configurations: Gallery

 

Thanks for the info cartmena, Theres conflicts about the taper vs. flat blocks. Some guys are saying that I need the taper because of my 1-piece driveshaft, short box, super cab. Others say it doesnt matter? I am worried about vibrations from the driveshaft. I dont know what to do.
~Gage~

 

A lot of people are misinformed about block angles. With a one-piece driveshaft, you want the transfer case output and pinion to be parallel. A flat block achieves this. When you get to really high lifts (6" +) then the u-joint angles get pretty high, and at that time an angled block can help, but it's the lesser of two evils.

 

Cartmenea, you have been super nice about all of this, I thank you for your help.
How is your truck coming from being wrecked, Sorry about that.
Thanks again ~Gage~

 

Thanks, haven't had time to touch it yet. Finished school in November, started work, and just have been too busy. Also trying to pay off student loans before interest starts in June, so not spending any money on the truck until after that. Definitely itching to start working on it though

 

YA I would do the same, what did you go to school for? Ya I know what you mean about the itch to work on the truck, I cant wait till the weather breaks here.
~Gage~

 

I just finished up grad school in electrical engineering and got a research/teaching position at Oregon State where I got my degree.

 

Wow very nice, congratulations on that.
Thanks again ~Gage~

 

I have a 04 sc/sb with a 4.5" Icon lift with 5" rear flat block. I had to add a 2 degree shim to the block because I had a vibration. Adding the shim moved the vibration into the 80-85 mph range.

 

Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension Question: Why are the new blocks flat?

"Icon Vehicle Dynamics's engineers have conducted numerous tests' regarding both flat and angled blocks. The conclusion was that flat blocks do not disturb the pinion angle of the rear end and prevent excessive wear and vibration from occurring. Icon Vehicle Dynamics's flat blocks optimize spring travel and have a built-in bump stop tang much like the factory blocks."
~Gage~